Manna for Your Morning

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31-32 (NLT) Yeshua came into the world to testify to the truth. (See John 18:37) The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon Him, for the LORD has anointed Him to bring good news to the poor. He was sent to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. (See Isaiah 61:1) “…the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.” (See Galatians 3:22 NLT) Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. (Romans 6:14 NLT) Be a true disciple of Christ and remain faithful to His teachings. May we press on to know the truth and be set free from anything or anyone that attempts to hold us captiv...

John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’” — Luke 7:20 (NLT) We need look no further than Yeshua. In John 14:6 (AMP), Yeshua said: “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” In Matthew 16:16, Simon Peter said to Him: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 16:17 NKJV) In John 1:41 (NLT), Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). May we tell all who come our way: Yeshua is the Christ, the Anointed One, Savior of the world. Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, le...

“The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.” — John 20:30-31 (NLT) In John 20:29, Jesus told Thomas: “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” No matter what events take place on this earth, may we continue to believe that Yeshua is the Messiah, and be blessed. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” (Romans 10:11 NASB1995) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; Yeshua came that we may have life, and have it abundantly. (See John 10:10) Amen. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. — Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” — John 9:1-2 (NKJV) I think it’s the nature of the flesh that likes to direct blame onto others. Instead of looking at the past and placing blame, let us be future-minded and seek solutions. The disciples asked: “Who sinned?” The easier question to ask is “Who hasn't sinned?” Only the King of kings and the Lord of lords, our Savior, Yeshua. Hebrews 4:15 says, He has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.” (John 9:3 NKJV) Take a moment to reflect on the answer Jesus gave His disciples. Maybe the wrongs we have suffered were allowed to happen so the works of God could be displayed in us and in our lives. Let us praise Yahweh for being with us in all of our trials, troubles and temptations an...

As a result of this many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the twelve [disciples], “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope]. We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].” — John 6:66-69 (AMP) In John 6:51, Yeshua said: “I am the Living Bread that came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread [believes in Me, accepts Me as Savior], he will live forever. And the Bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh (body).” Instead of being among those who desert the Savior of the world, be among those who dwell with Him and in Him. May we come to know Him personally and experience an intimate relationship with Him. To whom do you consistently go? You may run to someo...

Jesus taught his disciples, saying, “Listen to me. Never let anxiety enter your hearts. Never worry about any of your needs, such as food or clothing. For your life is infinitely more than just food or the clothing you wear.” — Luke 12:22-23 (TPT) I repeat it: “Don’t let worry enter your life. Live above the anxious cares about your personal needs. People everywhere seem to worry about making a living, but your heavenly Father knows your every need and will take care of you. Each and every day he will supply your needs as you seek his kingdom passionately, above all else.” (Luke 12:29-31 TPT) The fiery darts of the enemy are meant to distract you. Keep seeking the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter replied, “The Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) of God!” — Luke 9:20 (AMP) Who do you say Jesus is? In John 6:67, Jesus asked the twelve disciples, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope]. We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].” (John 6:68-69 AMP) Believe and confidently trust in Jesus. Let us earnestly and diligently seek the Lord. He is our only hope.

“ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” — Matthew 28:20 (NLT) As Believers, we are most blessed to have the Presence of the Lord, with us. Immanuel: God with us. Let His Presence be a source of comfort and courage. Be thankful that even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ. His Presence and His power enables us to accomplish His will on the earth. What a privilege and honor to be a vessel for our heavenly Father, a vessel of His love and grace, a vessel of His light and truth. Amen. “ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. ” — Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NLT)

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31-32 (NLT) In John 14:6 (NASB), Jesus said , “ I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. ” Jesus is the truth. The only way to know the truth is to know Jesus, to have a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord of lords and the King of kings. Open your heart today and receive Him as your Savior and the Lord of your life. It’s only in knowing Jesus and all He did for us that we can truly live an abundant life of freedom, peace and joy. Amen!

So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be with you.” — John 20:19 (NASB) The LORD gives his people strength; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11 CSB) …let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NLT) The Amplified Bible says peace is the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him. Let us walk through each day with Him. Stay aware of His Presence, with you, and you will abide in His peace. In His Presence, we are empowered to overcome the troubles and trials of this world. “ Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. ” — John 14:27 (CSB)

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” — Luke 8:22-24a (NLT) I believe Jesus was able to sleep in the middle of the storm because He trusted the Father, and He knew He had power and authority over the storm. When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”  (Luke 8:24b-25a) Let your faith be in Jesus, Immanuel (God with us). (Isaiah 7:14) Trust God and you too will have peace and calm in the middle of the storms. Be confident that you will sail through the storms and get to the destination God has promised to you.

And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, — Luke 24:52 (NKJV) After Jesus was parted from them and was carried up into heaven (Luke 24:51), the disciples worshiped Him and had great joy. The Message Bible says, they were bursting with joy. Glory to God! Are you lacking joy? Worship God. Take a bath and just soak in His Presence. In His presence is fullness of joy; In His right hand there are pleasures forever (Psalm 16:11b). We need our joy, for the joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Amen!

In Luke 7:20 (TPT) John’s disciples asked Jesus, “ Are you the coming Messiah we’ve been expecting, or are we to continue to look for someone else? ” Isaiah 9:6 (NASB) says: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace . JESUS is the ONE. He is the way, the truth, and the life.  No need to look to any other. The Son of Man is enthroned in the place of honor, power, and authority with Almighty God. (Luke 22:69 TPT). So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. — Hebrews 4:16 NLT

When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of;” — Luke 9:54-55 (NASB) When the Samaritans did not receive Jesus, James and John were ready to call down fire from heaven to burn them up, but Jesus rebuked  them and said, they did not know what kind of spirit they were made of. As followers of Christ, and children of God, may we know our new nature. It is the nature of our enemy to steal, kill and destroy. As new creations in Christ, our nature is one of life, love, grace and peace. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them. (Luke 9:56 NKJV) His purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10b NLT)

“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. — Luke 6:27-30 (MSG) The way the world lives is contrary to the way Jesus instructs us to live. As disciples of Christ, let us live generously. Generosity begets generosity. Let the love, kindness and generosity of God bring about love, kindness and generosity in you. Living in this manner, we can be instruments of change of in this world.

Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  — Mark 10:46-48 (NKJV) When you cannot see which way to go, or have a dark cloud of doubt and confusion obstructing your view, call out to Jesus. He is near. His ears are always open to hear your voice. Like Bartimaeus, ignore those who tell you not to call upon God, cry out for Him even more. Our mighty God is faithful, He will answer. He is able and willing to take care of all that concerns you. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. — Psalm 34:17 (NKJV)

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. — Matthew 28:16-17 (NKJV) Don’t be a disciple who doubts. James 1:6 says, he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. Doubt leads to worry and will put distance between you and your Maker. So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us! Oh yes, he’s our God, and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds. (Psalm 95:6-7 MSG) Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2 NKJV) I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD. ” (Psalm 122:1)

Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed. — Mark 1:16-18 (MSG) When Jesus told the early disciples to follow Him, they immediately left their nets and followed Him.  They didn't wait, wonder or wander. They were not like Gideon, who proceeded to ask God for a sign (Judges 6:36-40). They were not like Jonah, who went in the opposite direction, in an attempt to run away from God. (Jonah 1:2-3) May we have the heart to just FOLLOW JESUS, no matter where He may lead us.

Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few little fish.” So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude. — Matthew 15:34-36 (NKJV) When everyone was full and satisfied, they gathered up the leftovers. And from what was once seven loaves and a few fish, they filled seven baskets! There were four thousand men who ate the food Jesus multiplied, and even more including the women and children!  — Matthew 15:37-38 (TPT) When we are grateful and give thanks to God for what He has already provided, the windows of heaven are open to pour out more than enough, to meet the need. However, this miracle feeding of over 4,000 people began in the heart of Jesus, when He had compassion. In Matthew 15:32, Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “ I have compassion on the multitude, because they ...

Jesus’ disciples went with him as he left in a boat. Suddenly, a severe storm came across the sea. The waves were covering the boat. Yet, Jesus was sleeping. — Matthew 8:23-24 (GW) The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (Matthew 8:25-26 NIV) The disciples were fearful because they were focusing on the conditions of the storm. Jesus was sleeping because He trusted the Father. If we are in the boat with Jesus, we too can have perfect peace when severe storms come our way, by trusting God. His Presence is our protection. Instead of looking at the winds and the waves (circumstances), keep your eyes on Jesus, the Champion who initiates and perfects our faith. (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)